

As a plus-size woman, self-love can be a complex concept to embrace. No, I didn’t grow up believing my worth was based on my size; however, society often would base a woman’s value on her appearance – “You’re too big,” “You should have an hourglass figure,” etc. Also, mainstream media perpetuated narrow beauty standards, leading many to struggle with body image and self-esteem.
Therefore, for plus-size women, embracing self-love can be particularly empowering, as it challenges societal beauty standards and promotes body positivity. Finding self-love is a journey that holds immense significance for plus-size women. It involves challenging societal norms, cultivating self-acceptance, and celebrating the beauty and worth inherent in every individual.
One way to learn self-love is by practicing daily affirmations. Affirmations are a powerful tool that can help foster self-acceptance and boost self-esteem. Here are 15 self-love affirmations you can incorporate into your daily routine, cultivate a positive mindset, and embrace your beauty, curves, and all.
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15 Self-Love Affirmations
I am worthy of love and respect, regardless of my size. In a society that often equates worth with physical appearance, it is essential to remind yourself that your size does not define your value. You deserve love, respect, and happiness just as you are.
I embrace my body and celebrate its strength and beauty. Shift your focus from perceived flaws to appreciating the strength and beauty of your body. Recognize all that your body has accomplished and the unique ways it carries you through life.
I am more than my physical appearance; my worth extends far beyond my size. Your worth as an individual goes beyond physical appearances. Emphasize your accomplishments, intelligence, kindness, and qualities that make you remarkable.
I choose to surround myself with people who uplift and support me. Surround yourself with positive influences who celebrate your body and encourage your self-love journey. Seek out friends, family, and communities embracing body diversity and encouraging self-acceptance.
I release the need for society's validation and define my own beauty standards. Challenge societal beauty standards and define beauty on your own terms. Reject that your worth depends on external validation and embrace your unique beauty.
I release the need for society's validation and define my own beauty standards. Challenge societal beauty standards and define beauty on your own terms. Reject that your worth depends on external validation and embrace your unique beauty.
I am grateful for my body, and all it does for me. Practice gratitude for your body and all the incredible things it allows you to do. Focus on your body's functionality, strength, and resilience rather than its appearance.
I am comfortable and confident in my own skin. Develop a sense of comfort and confidence in your own skin. Recognize that your worth is not contingent upon fitting into societal norms but on your ability to embrace and express yourself authentically.
I nourish my body with love and kindness. Adopt a self-care routine that emphasizes nourishing your body physically, mentally, and emotionally. Prioritize activities and practices that make you feel good, whether nourishing foods, exercise, mindfulness, or engaging in hobbies that bring you joy.
I am an advocate for body positivity and inclusivity. Become an advocate for body positivity and inclusivity for yourself and others. Spread awareness, challenge stereotypes, and promote acceptance of all body types.
I am allowed to set boundaries and prioritize my well-being. Setting boundaries is an act of self-love. Recognize your limits and prioritize your well-being. Surround yourself with people who respect and support your boundaries.
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I am proud of my journey and the person I am becoming. Acknowledge and celebrate your journey of self-love and personal growth. Embrace the person you are becoming and take pride in your accomplishments, both big and small.
I forgive myself for opposing thoughts or judgments about my body. Release yourself from the burden of self-judgment. Forgive yourself for any negative thoughts or judgments you may have held about your body in the past. Choose to focus on self-acceptance and compassion instead.
I forgive myself for opposing thoughts or judgments about my body. Release yourself from the burden of self-judgment. Forgive yourself for any negative thoughts or judgments you may have held about your body in the past. Choose to focus on self-acceptance and compassion instead.
I am beautiful, inside and out. Recognize and affirm your own beauty, both inside and out. Remember that beauty comes in all shapes and sizes; your unique qualities make you truly beautiful.
I choose self-love over self-criticism. Make a conscious choice to replace self-criticism with self-love. Whenever negative thoughts arise, redirect your focus to affirmations that promote self-acceptance and self-care.
I am enough, exactly as I am. Embrace the powerful affirmation that you are enough, exactly as you are. Remember daily that your worth is not defined by your size or appearance but by your inherent value as a human being.
Embrace your body, celebrate your worth, and stand as a beacon of empowerment for other plus-size women on their own self-love journeys. You are beautiful, and you are deserving of love and acceptance exactly as you are.
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Adrian Marcel On Purpose, Sacrifice, And The 'Signs Of Life'
In this week's episode of xoMAN, host Kiara Walker talked with R&B artist Adrian Marcel, who opened up, full of heart and authenticity, about his personal evolution. He discussed his days transitioning from a young Bay Area singer on the come-up to becoming a grounded husband and father of four.
With honesty and introspection, Marcel reflected on how life, love, and loss have shaped the man he is today.
On ‘Life’s Subtle Signals’
Much of the conversation centered around purpose, sacrifice, and listening to life’s subtle signals. “I think that you really have to pay attention to the signs of life,” Marcel said. “Because as much as we need to make money, we are not necessarily on this Earth for that sole purpose, you know what I mean?” While he acknowledged his ambitions, adding, “that is not me saying at all I’m not trying to ball out,” he emphasized that fulfillment goes deeper.
“We are here to be happy. We are here [to] fulfill a purpose that we are put on here for.”
On Passion vs. Survival
Adrian spoke candidly about the tension between passion and survival, describing how hardship can sometimes point us away from misaligned paths. “If you find it’s constantly hurting you… that’s telling you something. That’s telling you that you’re going outside of your purpose.”
Marcel’s path hasn’t been without detours. A promising athlete in his youth, he recalled, “Early on in my career, I was still doing sports… I was good… I had a scholarship.” An injury changed everything. “My femur broke. Hence why I always say, you know, I’m gonna keep you hip like a femur.” After the injury, he pivoted to explore other careers, including teaching and corporate jobs.
“It just did not get me—even with any success that happened in anything—those times, back then, I was so unhappy. And you know, to a different degree. Like not just like, ‘I really want to be a singer so that’s why I’m unhappy.’ Nah, it was like, it was not fulfilling me in any form or fashion.”
On Connection Between Pursuing Music & Fatherhood
He recalled performing old-school songs at age 12 to impress girls, then his father challenged him: “You can lie to these girls all you want, but you're really just lying to yourself. You ain't growing.” That push led him to the piano—and eventually, to his truth. “Music is my love,” Marcel affirmed. “I wouldn’t be a happy husband if I was here trying to do anything else just to appease her [his wife].”
Want more real talk from xoMAN? Catch the full audio episodes every Tuesday on Spotify and Apple Podcasts, and don’t miss the full video drops every Wednesday on YouTube. Hit follow, subscribe, and stay tapped in.
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Colman Domingo’s Career Advice Is A Reminder That Our Words Shape Our Reality
When it comes to life, we are always here for a good reminder to shift our mindsets, and Colman Domingo just gave us one we didn't know we needed.
In a resurfaced clip from an appearance at NewFest shared as a repost via Micheaux Film Festival, the Emmy award winner dropped a gem on how he has navigated his decades-spanning career in Hollywood. The gem in question? Well, Colman has never identified with "struggle" in his career. Let that sit.
Colman Domingo On Not Claiming Struggle
"I’ve never said that this career was tough. I’ve never said it was difficult. I’ve never said it was hard," Colman said. "Other people would say that—‘oh, you're in a very difficult industry. It's very hard to get work and book work.’ I’m like, I’ve never believed that."
Instead of allowing himself to be defined by other people's projections about their perceptions of what the industry is or was, Colman dared to believe differently even if his reality was playing catch up with his dreams:
"Like Maya Angelou said words are things. And if you believe that, then that's actually what it is. Actually I've just never believed it. Someone told me some years ago, they said, 'I remember you were, you're a struggling actor.' I'm like, 'I don't.'"
"I wasn't attached to a struggle. I was attached to living..."
He continued:
"Even when I was bartending and hustling and not having opportunities or anything, I never believed that I was struggling because I wasn't attached to a struggle. I was attached to living and creating and being curious."
Colman’s philosophy of attaching to living instead of struggle has blossomed into an enduring career. He first made his mark on stage in acclaimed Broadway productions before transitioning to the screen, where his star began to rise in the 2010s following his role as Victor Strand in Fear The Walking Dead. From there, his presence only grew, landing memorable supporting roles in If Beale Street Could Talk, Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom, and the hit series Euphoria.
In more recent years, Colman has stepped fully into the spotlight with standout leading performances in Rustin and Sing Sing, both of which earned him widespread critical acclaim and Academy Award nominations for Best Actor.
With all that said, Colman's advice is no doubt powerful, especially for those who are chasing their dreams, building something from the ground up, or have question marks about what's next in their careers. Words shape our realities, and how we speak about our journeys even in passing matters.
Words Create Our Reality & Colman Is Living Proof
"I tell young people that. To remember the words that you say about yourself and your career are true. So, I choose to make it full of light and love and it's interesting and every day I'm going to learn something new even if it looks like I don't have what I want but it's important to be in the moment... you really build on the moments moment to moment.
"And you're looking back at your career as I've been in it for what 33 years and you're like, 'Wow, that's what I've been doing.' And I've stayed strong to that so I think that is truly my advice."
Let this be your sign to give your path a reframe. When the path you're on feels uncertain, the journey is still unfolding. Like Colman said: "I wasn't attached to a struggle. I was attached to living."
That's a Black king right there.
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